To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of (a) archaeological sites, (b) sites of special scientific interest and (c) areas of outstanding natural beauty which are likely to be (i) lost or (ii) damaged as a consequence of the proposals set out in "Trunk Roads, England into the 1990s"; and if he will make a statement.

It is not possible to make such an estimate in respect of road schemes which are in the early stages of preparation. I assure the hon. Member that all road schemes are designed to avoid unnecessary adverse impact upon the environment and to maximise the environmental gains which result from new roads.